Birnie proud of u17 side despite loss

THE dream is over for New Zealand at the Under17 Women’s World Cup in

Uruguay after it was beaten 20 by European champion Spain in the semifinals yesterday.

New Zealand now play off for third place on Sunday against either Mexico or Canada.

The side made history by becoming the first New Zealand team at any level to make the final four of a Fifa tournament.

New Zealand coach Leon Birnie said he could not be more proud of the side.

‘‘In the first half we took it to them. There were long periods of that game where we had them camped in their half and we hit the crossbar . . . and then they went down the other end and we switched off. They got that [first] goal which was an absolute killer.’’

Spain went 20 up early in the second half and Birnie said it was always going to be difficult to come back from that point.

‘‘I am so proud of them. They put in everything they could right up until that final whistle. It’s been a fantastic tournament. We have got out of group play for the first time and then we have got into the semis for the first time — it’s an amazing time for football in our country.

‘‘They’ll be disappointed but we’ll refocus and we have got the playoff game and if we can win that, that would be another special moment.’’